Why We Need
Hairdressing Apprenticeships
(more than ever)
Hair salons have long been more than just places for a quick trim; they are vibrant hubs of creativity, social interaction, and personal expression. Frequently, great salons sit at the heart of their communities!
Yet today, we face a challenge that threatens our existence - a shortage of skilled stylists.
According to a recent article by The Guardian, salons across England are grappling with a recruitment crisis, with a staggering 70% decline in apprenticeship enrolments over the last decade.
While we remain busy and confident in our business, we at Pure Hair are also experiencing recruitment challenges!
Great salons sit at the heart of their community
Choose a Work Based Apprenticeship
We are pleased to see that work-based apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as a valid alternative to traditional education. Recently, the BBC published a series of articles showcasing newly qualified apprentices who have opted for work-based education over traditional university degrees. One of the primary advantages highlighted was enhanced future employability, thanks to the 2-3 years of valuable work experience acquired during their training on the job.
Pathways to a Career in Hairdressing are Broken!
We believe the more significant issue is that when students do choose to pursue a hairdressing apprenticeship, they are often directed toward colleges to learn a vocational qualification in a classroom.
Flawed career advice misguides aspiring hairdressers. Apprenticeships delivered in colleges fall short in preparing students for the realities of a real salon environment. It's a problem that has for a while now given our industry cause for concern - college courses can't replicate the dynamic, hands-on experience gained through a work-based apprenticeship.
"We have seen young, newly qualified individuals come to us time and time again, certificate in hand, from a college-based course, and put simply: they can't cut it, they're not employable. They've had poor training, been in a class size of 25-30 students, lacked the quantity of practice on real clients required, experienced insufficient variety of hair to practise on, and received no real one-on-one guidance. It’s not their fault; the college system for vocational training is ineffective!"
Val, Director Pure Hair
A Recipe for Success
In a salon, surrounded by talented professionals, apprentices learn not just the craft of hairdressing, but also the nuances of client interaction, time management, and delivering a fantastic client experience. It’s this immersive experience that shapes truly confident and competent stylists, ready to build a career in the professional world. At Pure Hair, we have a proven track record of helping young stylists develop their skills and build a career.
We're Hiring
At Pure Hair, we believe in nurturing future talent through real-world experience. We invest in our apprentices, offering them the opportunity to work alongside great brands, industry leaders, participate in workshops, and receive feedback that challenges them to grow.
Know someone brilliant who should join our team? Apply online here
Join us in Sharing this Message
Our industry, like many, is in a state of flux.
Hairdressing is a fantastic trade that deserves recognition and respect.
At Pure Hair, we believe it’s time to reframe the narrative and shine a light on the immense value of work-based apprenticeships.
To parents, educators, and career advisors - if you know a young person with a passion for hairdressing, please guide them towards a work-based apprenticeship.
Encourage them to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of salons, where they can learn from the best and forge a rewarding career path.
Please help us spread the word!
Share this message and inform others about the benefits of a salon-based apprenticeship.
We're looking for the NEXT GENERATION of Professional Hairdressers
At Pure Hair, we are looking for the next generation of professional hairdressers. If you are young, passionate, and ready to kickstart a career in hairdressing, we want to hear from you!
Our comprehensive training programme takes place entirely in-salon, ensuring you start your career on the right foot.
Through our 'Professional Hairdressing Apprenticeship', you won't just earn an NVQ qualification – you'll also be paid while you learn. Most importantly, you'll perfect your skills in creative hairdressing and master the art of delivering an exceptional client experience. You'll be working side-by-side with our dedicated team of stylists, who will play a vital role in supporting your educational journey.
Choosing a full-time professional salon apprenticeship (over a college course) offers many advantages. You can earn while you learn, avoiding student debt. But primarily, you'll learn from the best, developing practical skills that can be immediately applied in a real salon environment!
Not all salons are created equal. At Pure Hair we have a proven track record with 20 years of excellence in the hairdressing industry. Our team of skilled stylists boast more than 70 years of experience between them.
Successful salons are fantastic places to work. They're fun, dynamic environments that encourage creative expression and kindness. At Pure Hair, you'll benefit from access to a world of advanced hairdressing education beyond your NVQ with prestigious brands. Gaining your professional hairdressing qualification is merely the beginning of your journey from apprentice to talented stylist.
Apply online, and we’ll reach out to you!